That evening, Mrs. Briefs prepared a feast that could have fed a small army. The four of them gathered around the dining table, the atmosphere warm and familial.
"So, handsome Karnel," Mrs. Briefs said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "now that you and Bulma have... reconnected... when should we start planning a wedding?"
Bulma nearly choked on her drink. "MOM! We were just talking in my room for a few hours!" She grabbed a large chicken leg and practically shoved it into her mother's bowl to silence her.
Dr. Briefs adjusted his glasses with a knowing smile. "Come now, Bulma, when did you become so shy? Karnel, you two aren't getting any younger. Bulma's all grown up now."
Karnel's expression grew serious as he looked between the eager parents and the flustered Bulma. "Dr. Briefs, Mrs. Briefs, I understand your enthusiasm, but..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Bulma will always be like a little sister to me. The age difference, the way we met when she was just a child, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to be anything more than family."
The table fell silent for a moment.
"Besides," Karnel continued gently, "she's brilliant and beautiful. She deserves someone her own age who can give her the kind of relationship she truly deserves, not someone who sees her as the little girl he once protected."
Bulma felt a complex mix of emotions, disappointment, but also relief and a strange sense of being understood. "Karnel's right," she said quietly. "He's... he's like the big brother I never had. That's more precious to me than anything else."
Mrs. Briefs looked slightly disappointed but nodded understandingly. "Well, I suppose having a protective big brother isn't such a bad thing either."
"And we're still waiting for grandchildren," Dr. Briefs added hopefully, "just from someone else eventually."
"DAD!" Bulma's face turned crimson as she bolted from the table. "I'm done eating!"
Karnel chuckled as he watched her flee. Even though the food was excellent, his Saiyan appetite was nowhere near satisfied by the human-sized portions. He politely excused himself and followed Bulma to her room.
He found her face-down on her bed, grumbling into her pillow.
"You know," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed, "you could have just told them yourself instead of letting me be the bad guy."
Bulma rolled over to face him, her cheeks still pink. "I didn't know how to explain it without hurting their feelings. They've been so excited about you coming back."
"They'll understand," Karnel said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Parents just want their children to be happy. They'll see that this makes you happy too."
Bulma sat up, suddenly looking more serious. "Karnel, I have a question, and I want you to be honest with me."
"Always."
"Where are you going to sleep tonight? Please don't tell me you're planning to disappear again in the morning."
Karnel laughed at her worried expression. "Relax, little sister. I'm not going anywhere. Your parents have plenty of guest rooms. I'll pick one and actually get a decent night's sleep for the first time in years."
"Promise?"
"I promise. No more disappearing acts."
Later that night, Karnel settled into a comfortable guest room, musing to himself about how different things were from the original timeline. Bulma had grown into a remarkable young woman, but their relationship had evolved into something healthier, a genuine sibling bond built on mutual respect and affection rather than romantic tension.
Much better this way, he thought as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Bulma knocked energetically on his door.
"Karnel! Are you awake? I have plans for us today!"
He opened the door to find her dressed in a stylish outfit, a fitted top and short skirt that showed she'd definitely grown up during his absence. Behind her, he could see she was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Someone's in a good mood," he observed with amusement.
"The 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament is coming up soon," she announced, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the stairs. "I want to take you to Kame Island today so you can meet my friends! Well, re-meet them. It's been so long!"
Karnel allowed himself to be dragged along, secretly pleased by her enthusiasm. He could guess exactly what she was thinking, she wanted to show off her returned big brother to her friends. The thought was endearing.
"Your friends would be Goku, Krillin, and the others, right?" he asked.
"Exactly! Oh, they're going to be so surprised to see you again!" Bulma's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she pulled out a capsule. "I've got the perfect vehicle for the trip."
She tossed the capsule, and a sleek flying car materialized with a small puff of smoke.
Karnel could have easily transported them both instantly, but seeing Bulma's excitement about taking her flying car, he decided to indulge her. Besides, it had been a long time since he'd experienced something as simple as a road trip with family.
"Alright then," he said, climbing into the passenger seat, "let's go see what your friends have been up to."
As Bulma started the engine, her smile was radiant. For the first time in years, she felt complete. Her big brother was back, and she was about to introduce him to the people who mattered most to her.
"Hold on tight," she called over the engine noise. "This is going to be fun!"